Circle of Willis
Berry aneurysms are most likely to involve the Circle of Willis, so that rupture with bleeding occurs into the subarachnoid space at the base of the brain.
Circle of Willis
- An anastomotic ring at the base of the brain providing collateral circulation. It includes the anterior/posterior communicating arteries, ACA, internal carotids, and PCA.
Read this in Neuroanatomy and Brain Metabolism
What our notes say
- Berry aneurysms are most likely to involve the Circle of Willis, so that rupture with bleeding occurs into the subarachnoid space at the base of the brain. (CNS PATHOLOGY — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Berry aneurysms are located in the circle of Willis at the base of the brain, and rupture leads to extravasation of blood into the subarachnoid space. (CNS PATHOLOGY — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Berry aneurysms form at Circle of Willis branch points due to congenital wall weakness and haemodynamic stress. (Neuropathology Essentials: Edema, Hydrocephalus, Brain Herniation)
- Primary collateral: Circle of Willis (supplemented by external carotid-ophthalmic collaterals) (Cerebrovascular Disease: Stroke, Ischemia & Hemorrhage Explained)
- Common Sites (Circle of Willis) — ⚠️ Know the Percentages: (Cerebrovascular Disease: Stroke, Ischemia & Hemorrhage Explained)
- Berry aneurysm (in the Circle of Willis): Strongly associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (APKD), and can cause subarachnoid hemorrhage. (Heart Pathology: Comprehensive Short Notes)